Rousham House

About

Rousham and its landscape garden should be a place of pilgrimage for students of the work of William Kent (1685–1748). Rousham represents the first phase of English landscape design and remains almost as Kent left it, one of the few gardens of this date to have escaped alteration, with many features which delighted 18th century visitors to Rousham still in situ, such as the ponds and cascades in Venus’ Vale, the Cold Bath, and seven arched Praeneste, Townsend’s Building, the Temple of the Mill, and, on the skyline, a sham ruin known as the ‘Eyecatcher’.

Don’t miss the walled garden with its herbaceous borders, small parterre, pigeon house and espalier apple trees. A fine herd of rare Long-Horn cattle are to be seen in the park.

Rousham is uncommercial and unspoilt with no tea room and no shop. Bring a picnic, wear comfortable shoes and it is yours for the day.

The house, built in 1635 by Sir Robert Dormer, is still in the ownership of the same family. The south front is almost as Kent left it, but for the replacement of the octagonal glazing with plain glass. Kent made alterations to the interior of the house, which retains some 17th century panelling and the original staircases, furniture, pictures and bronzes. Not open to the general public, it can be visited by pre-booked groups.

Rousham is also available for wedding receptions and fashion or other photographic shoots.

Unfortunately Rousham cannot admit children under 15 or dogs.

For further details see www.rousham.org